Google Workspace Changes

Google Vault updates how admins set new retention rules.

Google Vault is changing the way admins configure new retention rules. Admins will now be prompted to choose between two options: expunging messages only if they were deleted during the coverage period (the default) or expunging messages even if they are still present in a user's mailbox. This change does not affect existing retention settings, which will continue to operate under their original configurations.

Improvements to G Suite launch announcement structure.

Google is adding more structured information to its launch announcements to help G Suite admins better digest and communicate updates to their users. Future announcements will now include specific details regarding the release track, eligible editions, rollout pace, impact, and recommended admin actions.

New download functionality for Microsoft Office files in Google Docs, Sheets, and Slides.

The Office Compatibility Mode extension in Chrome now includes a feature that allows users to instantly download a local copy of edited Microsoft Office files. This functionality is accessible via the File drop-down menu and a button in the top right corner of the screen, making it easier for users to share files in Microsoft Office format or upload them via webforms.

Google My Maps is now integrated with Google Drive for easier creation, sharing, and management of custom maps.

Google My Maps is now integrated with Google Drive, allowing users to create custom maps with lines, shapes, and placemarks, import geographic data, and share maps using Drive's permission settings. Google Apps admins can enable or disable the service for their domains or specific organizational units via the Admin console. These maps are web-only and do not count toward the user's Google Drive storage limit.

Accept or reject external guest requests to join Hangouts video calls in the Hangouts iOS app.

Google has enabled the functionality to accept or reject external guest requests to join Hangouts video calls within the latest version of the Hangouts iOS app. Previously, this action was only possible via the web interface for users in the Apps domain.

Google Sheets now supports publishing spreadsheets in five additional formats: .csv, .tsv, .pdf, .xlsx, and .ods.

Users of Google Sheets on the web can now publish their spreadsheets in five additional formats beyond the standard web page: comma-separated values (.csv), tab-separated values (.tsv), PDF documents (.pdf), Microsoft Excel spreadsheets (.xlsx), and OpenDocument spreadsheets (.ods). When the generated URL is opened in a browser, the spreadsheet will automatically download in the chosen format.

Google Drive audit logs now include support for download events.

Admins for Drive for Work and Google Apps for Education can now track download events for both Google and non-Google file formats within the Drive audit logs. These logs are accessible via the Admin console Reports area and the Reports API, enabling admins to filter by document name, user name, and timestamp, and to set download alerts for specific files based on filenames or owners.

New features and UI improvements for the Google Drive app for Android.

A new version of the Google Drive app for Android introduces several enhancements, including the ability to download multiple files in the background, use the 'Send File' feature on multiple files simultaneously, an improved sharing UI for adding people and reviewing access, file thumbnails in the folder details pane, and the ability to report abuse cases within Settings.

Admins can now migrate employee contacts from Microsoft Exchange and Office 365 to Google Apps via the Admin console.

Google Apps for Work administrators can now migrate employee contacts from Microsoft Exchange (2007 and above) and Microsoft Office 365 to Google Apps directly from the Admin console. This cloud-based data migration service simplifies the process by removing the need to install or configure client tools, utilizing straightforward set-up flows and auto-discovery of mail server connections.

Calendar view selection moved to navigation drawer in iPhone app

Access to all available views (Schedule, Day, 3 Day, Week) in the Google Calendar app for iPhone has been moved from the overflow menu into the navigation drawer for easier access.

Option to show week numbers in Google Calendar app for iPhone

A new option has been added to the Settings of the Google Calendar app for iPhone that allows users to display week numbers.

Direct actions added to event notifications in Google Calendar app for iPhone

The Google Calendar app for iPhone now allows users to directly email guests or open a map from an event notification.

Google Drive file attachments now supported in Google Calendar app for iPhone

Users can now add Google Drive files to events within the Google Calendar app for iPhone. For domains with Drive enabled, the app will automatically check if all event invitees have access to the files and prompt the user to add access if they do not.

Event attachment improvements for Google Calendar web and API

Google Calendar web now supports event attachments by default, allowing users to attach Google Drive files to events. Drive will also automatically check if event invitees have access to attached files and prompt the user to grant access if necessary. Additionally, developers can now add Drive files to Google Calendar events via the Calendar API.

Expanded image type support for file conversion in Google Docs, Sheets, and Slides.

Google has expanded the image types supported during the conversion of Microsoft Office files to Google Docs, Sheets, and Slides. In addition to JPEG, PNG, EMF, and WMF, users can now successfully import and export larger images, less common formats like TIFF, and images with non-RGB color profiles such as CMYK.